Japanese PM Office Official Transferred Following Sexual Harassment Allegations

The digital edition of the Japanese weekly Shukan Bunshun reported yesterday that an official at the Prime Minister's office engaged in inappropriate behavior during a press meeting last month. A government spokesperson confirmed today that the official has been transferred, but did not disclose the reason. According to NHK, the official, who came from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, sexually harassed a female reporter during a meeting in mid-April. The reporter's company filed a protest with the Prime Minister's office. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara stated at a press conference, 'We are aware of the reports, but we will not comment on individual cases.' He cited privacy concerns for not providing further details. The official was known for his expertise in energy policy and had been serving in the Prime Minister's office since the Ishiba administration. He quietly left the office after the Golden Week holidays.